Annual Minimum Wage Increase to Coming into Effect in Ontario October 1st

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted September 29th, 2017 in Niagara At Large

Ontario is increasing the general minimum wage for the fourth consecutive year, which will bring the wage up to $11.60 on October 1, 2017.

As a part of Ontario’s plan for Fair Workplaces and Better Jobs, the general minimum wage would again increase to $14 on January 1, 2018, and to $15 on January 1, 2019, which would be followed by annual increases at the rate of inflation.

Ontario’s plan to create more opportunity and security for workers would also ensure part-time and temporary help agency workers are paid the same hourly wage as full-time workers, introduce paid sick days for every worker, enable at least three weeks’ vacation after five years with the same employer and step up enforcement of employment laws.

Creating fair workplaces and better jobs across Ontario is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

QUICK FACTS

By October 2017, the general minimum wage will have increased by almost 70 per cent since 2004, when it stood at $6.85.

The minimum wage remained frozen between 1996 and 2003. This will be the 11th minimum wage increase since 2004.

Special minimum wage rates for liquor servers, students under the age of 18, hunting and fishing guides, and homeworkers will also increase at the same time.

“Fairness and decency must continue to be the defining values of our workplaces. No one working full time should be struggling to put food on the table or buy clothing for their children. Increasing the minimum wage will create more fairness, opportunity and security for workers, while building a more stable and sustainable economy that also includes fair workplaces for everyone.” — Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour

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